The increasingly religious nature of our world
by Justin D. Long
In his latest book, 3001, science-fiction author Arthur C. Clarke postulates that in the future, our world's residents will no longer be religious--except perhaps for a quasi-religion based on worship of nature. This is often the view taken by futurists, although the evidence to date is consistently shown to be otherwise. Despite the grand hopes and expectations of those in the secular field of futurism, the world is becoming MORE, not LESS, religious.
A religionist is one who adheres to a specific religion (e.g. everyone except atheists and the non-religious). As of the year 2000 we estimate there will be some 5.2 billion religionists (1 out of 6 people), rising to 7.1 billion by 2025, for an annual increase of 76.9 million. Of these, non-Christian religionists make up 3.1 billion 2000, rising to 4.3 billion by 2025 (increasing at 48.7 million per year).
At the same time, nonreligionists (nonreligious and atheists) are on the increase--though not nearly as rapidly. From 927 million in 2000 it is estimated they will rise to 1.0 billion, making gains through demographic growth and some religious defections, while suffering losses to mainline religions through conversions. They are increasing at a net annual rate of 5.6 million (a paltry sum in the context of religious growth).
Beneath the surface of this growing religiosity is the usual complexity. There are many religions making rapid gains, and others suffering rapid losses. Out of an estimated 30,000 religions in the world today, the smaller faiths (cults, tribal religions, etc) are suffering losses to the "mainline" religions of Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, etc.
Individuals are not the only religious segment that are growing. There are about 13,000 specifically religious libraries in the world, the overwhelming majority of which are Christian in nature (e.g. seminary libraries and the like). In 1990 there were 108 religious countries, home to 1.3 billion people. And there are 10,000 new, recently-started religions, many of which are spreading rapidly across the Western world.
What does all this mean for mission? Not only do we have to keep in mind the many peoples which must be penetrated with the Gospel, we must examine the many religionists that may similarly need a penetration. Although strictly speaking people groups are defined by ethnicity, language and geographic location (e.g. the Saudi Arabs of Saudi Arabia vs. the Saudi Arabs of the United States), some subsets of peoples will require unique strategies. One glaring example can be found in India, where a people group can be split between Hindus and Muslims. Both need a Saviour, yet each may need different approaches.
The people of the world present Christendom with endless diversity. The dark side of this is the endless complexity. Only by narrowing one's focus and becoming an expert in one specific target can we hope to untangle the difficulties, truly come to an understanding of a people, and find the bridges over which we can bring the good news of Jesus Christ.
